Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the expanding hair fiber. When procured near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis. For EtG, additional, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to hair from the scalp, whereas body hair signifies all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the fundamental processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This entails confirming the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data entry absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for misuse of drugs. Although cost-efficient for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample that screens presumptively positive must undergo supplementary confirmation.
Should a sample screen positively in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair in a much reduced concentration than alternatives like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening a challenging process to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to frequently as "hair follicle tests", such tests scrutinize the hair strand itself rather than the scalp-based hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Island, KY demonstrates the advantages hair testing holds over traditional urine tests, including superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers benefit from a robust method that effectively monitors substance use, providing comprehensive insights compared to urine tests. This advanced approach ensures confidence in drug testing results.
Extended Detection Window in Island, KY explains how hair follicle tests provide a substantially longer period of drug detection, extending up to 90 days. For employers, this means a thorough, historical overview of an individual's drug use, offering insights into their lifestyle choices and potential risks. This makes it an effective tool in making sound hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Island, KY outlines how hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the chances of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results. With this secure method, organizations can confidently enforce their drug-free policies, knowing that the integrity of the test is uncompromised by adulteration attempts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Island, KY emphasizes the accessibility of our network of testing facilities nationwide, which ensures the convenience of quick, stress-free testing access. Whether in a metropolis or a small town like Island, KY, these centers offer efficient access to drug testing services, simplifying processes for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Island, KY outlines a straightforward and private approach to ordering, undertaking, and obtaining test results, addressing any worries related to privacy and ease of use. This seamless process boosts confidence among clients, safeguarding their information effectively while delivering accurate results promptly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Island, KY underscores our competitive pricing strategies and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value and reassurance to businesses of varying sizes. By balancing cost-effectiveness with efficiency, companies can rely on our drug testing services without straining their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Island, KY highlight the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests. These tests offer exceptionally high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes. Organizations rely on these results to maintain high standards in drug testing policies. Their quick processing times make them an invaluable tool in busy workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Island, KY highlights how hair follicle testing assists employers in ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities, and enhancing workplace safety. This strong compliance tool provides peace of mind to business leaders, reassuring them of maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
